§ 13. Mr. Boxasked the Minister of Transport when work is to start on the construction of the Severn Bridge; and what are his plans for ensuring that all traffic will get the maximum benefit from it.
§ Mr. MarplesI hope that work will start early next year and be completed in five to six years. Tenders have been invited for construction of the foundations and substructure of the bridge and of access roads to the site. The bridge will form part of the London-South Wales motorway. There will be special tracks for pedestrians and for cyclists.
To increase benefit to long-distance traffic, I hope the section of the motorway between Chippenham and the Severn Bridge will be completed by the time the bridge is ready. This will provide good connections with the existing road network on the eastern side. To the west, extensive improvements have already been made to trunk road A.48.
§ Mr. BoxThough the news of the starting of the construction of the Severn Bridge has been welcomed on both sides of the Bristol Channel, is my right hon. Friend aware that considerable concern exists throughout the whole of South Wales at the chaos in traffic conditions which persist particularly in Newport? Will he tell us when he expects to be able to announce the dates of starting work on the by-passes at Newport and Cardiff?
§ Mr. MarplesThat really is another question, but I think that the Newport authorities are seeking statutory powers in order to expedite the project my hon. Friend has in mind.